Common Causes of Roof Leaks
Leaky roofs are often the result of weather damage, but they can be connected to improper construction as well. To avoid injury trying to do it yourself, enlist the help of a professional if you notice roof problems. Does this Spark an idea?
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Causes
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The major causes of roof problems include weather exposure, wind damage, poor design, failure of materials, and poor maintenance. A lack of maintenance can cause small and easily fixable problems to escalate into major leaks. Wind damage can include strong winds and the debris thrown onto the roof by wind.
Materials
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Flashings are the materials most likely to fail on the roof. Flashings keep the roofing sections sealed to prevent water from seeping through. If the flashings fail, the roof is left vulnerable to leakage.
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Upkeep
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Roofers recommend that customers perform biannual roof inspections in the spring and fall. This inspection will allow you to spot potential problems, and remove debris from the roof and gutters.
Consequences
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Roof leaks can lead to water getting in the house, and to mildew, mold, and house staining. Minor roof punctures can lead to these problems if they are not spotted during routine inspections.
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References
- Photo Credit Damaged Roofs image by Craig Hanson from Fotolia.com